Councillors throw out Nelson parking permit plan

PROPOSALS to introduce business parking permits on short-stay car parks in Nelson town centre got short shrift from councillors.

Town hall officers had recommended that permits costing £140 should be introduced to parks in New Brown Street, Every Street and Cuba Street to encourage businesses to move to the ACE Centre.

But members of Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee turned down the idea, with Coun. David Whalley saying there was adequate car parking on the Goitside car park with a good pedestrian crossing in New Scotland Road.

And Slaters ice cream parlour owner Mark Richards told members much of his trade came from people in cars who needed to park close to his shop. He asked members to maintain the status quo.

Town Centre Partnership representative Mr Nicholas Emery said Coun. Whalley was “spot on” in his assessment. “Goitside is not a million miles away - it’s just at the end of the street,” he said.

Members agreed not to introduce parking permits and leave the situation unchanged.